Coping with Stress and Anxiety

18 Feb Coping with Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety comes in various ways and in various amounts. Stress can come in the form of children arguing in the car or a boss wanting a deadline for a project sooner than later. Stress can debilitate individuals and cause a variety of problems. Stress can even come with good changes in life, such as having a baby or getting promoted at work.

Some symptoms of increased anxiety and stress include:

Increased heart rate

Difficulty or labored breathing

Insomnia difficulty shutting off thoughts at night

Feelings of fear regarding the future outcomes

Increased perspiration and sweaty hands

Worry that interferes with regular thoughts of the day

Stomach indigestion or stomach problems

Difficulty setting healthy relationship boundaries with others

Symptoms For children:

Crying spells

Inability to go to sleep due to anxiety

Withdrawn

Over concern for situations that evoke anxiety

Cutting or self-harm

In addition to these physical symptoms long-term stress and anxiety causes increase in illness, depression, heart disease, and gastro-intestinal problems.

Getting help for anxiety and stress includes cognitive-behavioral therapy involving changing your thoughts and behaviors that contribute to the anxiety. Increasing calming activities such as prayer and meditation or positive hobbies also are effective. For more help in coping strategies in dealing with anxiety feel free to call and make an appointment today!

By:
Laura Fite LPC

Laura Fite LPC is a therapist at Life Connection Counseling center who sees children, families, and individuals to make positive changes in their lives.